Luminar Technologies Bolsa (NASDAQ: LAZR)

Últimas noticias sobre Luminar Technologies (NASDAQ:LAZR) Bolsa

Luminar Technologies

Luminar Technologies Inc is an automotive technology company ushering in a new era of vehicle safety and autonomy. It operates its business through the following segments: Autonomy Solutions and Advanced Technologies and Services. The majority of its revenue is generated from the Autonomy Solutions segment, which engages in the design, manufacturing, and sale of LiDAR sensors, catering mainly to the OEMs in the automobile, commercial vehicle, robo-taxi, and adjacent industries. The Advanced Technologies and Services segment provides semiconductors and related components, as well as design, test, and consulting services to the Autonomy Solutions segment and various third-party customers. Geographically, the company derives its key revenue from North America.

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Luminar Technologies, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

Luminar Technologies Inc

A younger federal employee says he was wrongly assumed to be a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44186261/doge-staffers-reportedly-draw-hefty-salaries-funded-by-taxpayers-while-musk-pushes-for-wasteful-spending-cuts">Department of Government Efficiency operative</a> after returning to the office following remote work, and it resulted in weeks of isolation, awkward interactions and straight-up hostility.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mistrust in the Office</h2>
&#8220;From the day I started coming in, I've been feeling out of place,&#8221; wrote the employee on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/comments/1klkrkz/my_coworkers_think_im_doge/">Reddit</a>. &#8220;I receive mean looks, conversations straight-up dying when I walk by&#8230; or even just ignoring me when I say &#8216;Hi&#8217;.&#8221;
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The post, which gained thousands of upvotes and sparked hundreds of replies, hit a nerve with federal workers across multiple agencies. The central issue? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/04/44683851/elon-musks-secretive-doge-team-using-ai-and-disappearing-messages-to-monitor-federal-workers-for-anti-trump-sentiment-bypassing-records-laws-and-locking-out-agencies-report">Growing suspicion</a> around DOGE — a much-discussed, loosely defined internal enforcement body reportedly tied to layoffs and oversight during the return-to-office push.
The OP explained that he had only recently started working in the office after remote onboarding. &#8220;I finally managed to strike up a conversation with someone,&#8221; he said, &#8220;and before we got friendly, he kind of checked me — asked what office I was with and all that.&#8221;
When the coworker realized OP was just a regular federal employee and not with DOGE, things changed quickly: &#8220;After that, he was super cool and even told me his team had been talking about me a lot because they thought I was a DOGE plant.&#8221;
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Everyone Is on Edge</h2>
Once the misunderstanding was cleared up on his floor, he started getting smiles instead of suspicion. But that goodwill hasn&#8217;t reached other parts of the building: &#8220;As for the other floors? I doubt they interact with this guy enough to know.&#8221;
The story resonated with hundreds who replied with similar experiences or office-wide paranoia. One user wrote, &#8220;My office is probably much much smaller than yours, but my supervisor tends to send out emails with name, picture, and a little blurb about new staff. Not just new feds, but new faces in general to just make it less weird.&#8221;
Others joked that OP should lean into it: &#8220;I&#8217;d get a &#8216;Hi my name is&#8217; sticker and fill in &#8216;NOT DOGE&#8217;,&#8221; one commenter suggested. Another said, &#8220;This is exactly what DOGE would do.&#8221;
The topic triggered a larger conversation about the distrust plaguing federal workplaces in the current political climate. &#8220;People are super paranoid now,&#8221; wrote one user. Another added, &#8220;This is how it was in Nazi Germany and Stalin Russia&#8230; people turning each other in to protect themselves.&#8221;
See Also: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fear, Paranoia and Office Culture</h2>
According to Reddit comments, suspicion toward new hires, especially younger ones, has been growing. Many said appearance matters more than it should: dressing too formally, smiling too much or simply being unfamiliar could result in cold shoulders. &#8220;If you look too young and preppy/WASP-y&#8230; you might inadvertently give off that impression,&#8221; one commenter said.
The OP admitted he dresses well because his father taught him to, but said he might consider &#8220;reading the room&#8221; more. Still, he maintained that he shouldn&#8217;t have to change who he is to be treated with basic respect.
&#8220;Just because you&#8217;re paranoid doesn&#8217;t mean you have to sh&#x2A;t on other feds,&#8221; he wrote in an edit. &#8220;I shouldn&#8217;t be treated as other just because I am young and in government.&#8221;
Others agreed, blaming the administration for creating an atmosphere of fear. &#8220;They want the kind of environments where coworkers don't trust each other&#8230; instead of cooperate and band together to weather the storm,&#8221; one person commented.
For now, OP is trying to laugh about the whole thing. &#8220;What if DOGE are the friends we made along the way?&#8221; he joked.
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Image: Shutterstock

'My Coworkers Think I'm DOGE'—A Federal Worker Says, 'I Receive Mean Looks And Conversations Are Straight-Up Dying When I Walk By'

Most parents would be thrilled if their 23-year-old had already stacked a quarter of a million dollars in investments. Not this mom.
Julie, a listener of "Suze Orman's Women &amp; Money" podcast", <a href="https://www.suzeorman.com/blog/Podcast-Episode-Ask-KT-Suze-Anything-Is-My-Daughter-a-Miser">wrote in with a dilemma</a> that had both Suze and her cohost KT raising eyebrows—and laughing a little too.
"Have we created a monster?" Julie asked, in what Suze Orman called one of the best subject lines they'd seen.
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Julie and her husband, who've lived below their means for decades and now boast a net worth of over $6 million, made it their mission to teach their kids how to save and invest early. And it worked—almost too well. Their 23-year-old daughter, a full-time grad student, already has over $250,000 saved in a Roth IRA and non-retirement investment accounts.
How? "She has accumulated this through jobs she's had for years, as well as our annual gift of a match to what she <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41991146/suze-orman-says-this-investment-can-make-your-kids-rich-by-retirement-you-have-a-golden-opportunity-to-launch-them-to-their-first-million">contributes to her Roth</a>," Julie explained.
But here's the problem: their daughter refuses to spend money on, well… anything.
"In my opinion, she has a toxic attitude towards money," the mom wrote. "She constantly says she cannot afford things and never offers to pay for anything when she's on a date with her boyfriend or when she's with friends or family."
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
Julie added that while her daughter studies hard and is always hustling to earn more, she's also become what she calls "miserly."
Cue co-host KT's reaction: "Mom thinks her daughter's a miser," she said, laughing. But KT didn't see anything wrong with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45306698/will-i-have-more-money-in-the-long-run-by-taking-out-student-loans-instead-of-paying-cash-suze-orman-weighs-in">23-year-old who's obsessed with saving</a>. "I wouldn't do a thing, mom," she added. "Any kid that's 23 that wants to work and earn money and save money and accumulate money is a good thing."
Orman, however, wasn't ready to let the daughter completely off the hook. "Mom's saying she's miserly because she never pays for anything because she doesn't think she can afford it," she clarified.
Still, Orman made it crystal clear that this kind of saving habit is not a red flag—it's a financial flex.
"These are her compounding years," she said. "For every dollar she saves over the next 40 years, when she's in her 60s, it's going to multiply so much because of compounding… She's on the path to being far wealthier than both you and your husband."
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So what should parents do when their daughter's on the fast track to millionaire status but won't split a dinner bill?
Orman suggested one tactical move: stop matching her Roth IRA contributions.
"She has enough," she said. "You can simply say, ‘You're doing so great, we're not going to match you anymore. You're on your own.'" It's not about punishing her—it's about letting her feel the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">difference between earned money and gifted money.</a> "Let's just see what that does to her," she added.
As for the boyfriend footing the bill? "Let them decide that between themselves," Orman added. "But you have not created a monster. You've created a money maven, if you ask me."
Bottom line: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44130633/you-just-talk-about-life-and-money-is-part-of-life-rachel-cruze-talks-on-teaching-finances-to-kids-based-on-how-dave-ramsey-raised-her">Teaching your kids to save</a> might just work better than expected—but don't be surprised when frugality shows up at the dinner table.
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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

Mom Asks Suze Orman: 'Did We Create A Monster?' 23-Year-Old Daughter Has $250K Saved But Refuses To Pay For Dates Or Family Outings

A new Republican tax proposal backed by President Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) could give every newborn in the U.S. a head start with a $1,000 investment account.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Are MAGA Accounts?</h2>
The accounts are called &#8220;MAGA Accounts,&#8221; short for &#8220;money account for growth and advancement.&#8221; While the name echoes Trump's famous campaign slogan, the idea came from Cruz, who spent over a year promoting the concept inside the GOP and who initially used the name "Invest America."
"You can call it anything you like,&#8221; Cruz told <a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/05/12/2025/the-new-republican-maga-account-has-a-surprising-architect-ted-cruz">Semafor</a> on Monday. &#8220;What is powerful is enabling every child in America to have an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-investment-accounts-for-kids">investment account</a> and a stake in the American free enterprise system.&#8221;
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Under the proposal, the federal government would contribute $1,000 to an account for every baby born between 2025 and 2028. Families, friends, and even employers could contribute up to $5,000 each year. Children wouldn't be able to access the funds until they turn 18, and the money would accumulate interest.
Cruz said the goal is to help more Americans benefit from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/05/45399940/warren-buffett-shows-how-patience-pays-98-of-his-160-billion-wealth-came-after-turning-65-thanks-the-power-of-compound-interest">power of compound interest</a> and grow up with a financial stake in the economy. "This will give everyone a stake," he said. &#8220;When every child has invested, it's no longer an abstract idea.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump's Imprint</h2>
The MAGA accounts are part of a much larger piece of legislation dubbed &#8220;THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL&#8221; — in all capital letters. Trump used the phrase on <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114495946485549840">Truth Social</a>, writing, &#8220;The Bill is GREAT.&#8221;
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The <a href="https://waysandmeans.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SMITMO_017_xml.pdf">bill</a> includes around $4.9 trillion in tax cuts and aims to follow through on Trump's campaign promises. It includes breaks for tipped and overtime workers, retirement-age Americans, and new taxes on private university endowments. It also includes significant cuts to programs like Medicaid, food stamps, and clean energy initiatives.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cruz vs. &#8216;Baby Bonds&#8217;</h2>
Cruz emphasized that the MAGA accounts are different from Democratic &#8220;baby bond&#8221; proposals, which are more restrictive and don't allow private market investments. &#8220;That is just a government program,&#8221; Cruz said. &#8220;This is very much designed to get the next generation to invest in the market.&#8221;
Business leaders appear to be on board. Investor Brad Gerstner told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpWyUqBYJfA">CNBC</a> on May 5 that companies like Uber (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>), Dell (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>), Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and Oracle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) are already interested in contributing to their employees&#8217; children's accounts. &#8220;You will have an account in the S&amp;P 500 that&#8217;s worth upwards of $50,000 to $60,000. It changes the game by getting everybody. This is the president&#8217;s Main Street agenda.&#8221;
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next?</h2>
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is pushing for passage by Memorial Day. If it clears the House, the Senate is expected to make revisions.
Meanwhile, Democrats have slammed the broader bill, especially the proposed Medicaid cuts. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) told Semafor, "Even a stopped watch is right twice a day,&#8221; giving faint praise to Cruz's MAGA account idea while criticizing the rest of the GOP proposal.
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Image: Shutterstock

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'The One, Big, Beautiful Bill' Would Create 'MAGA' Savings Accounts—With A $1,000 Gift From The Government At Birth

These large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) stock surged 56.32%  after Nvidia disclosed it added a stake in the company via a 13F filing equating to approximately 24.18 million shares. JP Morgan and Needham also raised their respective <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45472274" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecasts on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) stock escalated 44.26% after the company announced that it entered into a strategic partnership under a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45471297" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memorandum of understanding</a> with DataVolt.</li>
<li>Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) stock jumped 33.68% after the company announced a partnership with Webull Pay to power crypto experiences. Additionally, Benchmark raised its price forecast <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45471661" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the stock from $252 to $301</a>.</li>
<li>NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NRG#NYSE">NRG</a>) shares rose 33.41% after announcing a $12 billion acquisition of LS (Luminus Systems) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45388224" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Power&#8217;s generation assets</a>.</li>
<li>Astera Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALAB#NASDAQ">ALAB</a>) stock rose 27.19% amid overall market strength following softer-than-expected April inflation readings. Additionally, investors continue to weigh the progress of the U.S.-China trade and President Trump&#8217;s Middle East trip.</li>
<li>First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) shares increased 26.86% on reports indicating the House GOP budget will cut but not remove <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45385748" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind and solar tax credits</a>.</li>
<li>Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXEL#NASDAQ">EXEL</a>) stock grew 25.52% after the company recently reported better-than-expected financial results and raised its FY25 sales guidance with its midpoint above estimates. The company, acting as a collaboration partner of Invenra, initiated the dose-escalation stage of the first-in-human Phase 1 clinical study of XB628. Citigroup raised its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45418036" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $45 to $56</a>.</li>
<li>Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) stock rose 24.67%. The company announced that NASA had chosen it to launch its Aspera mission and disclosed the return of its Pioneer spacecraft <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45434506" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to Varda Space Industries</a>.</li>
<li>Hims &amp; Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) has gained 24.42% in the last week. The stock has rallied since reporting strong first-quarter financial results on May 5. However, the company has a high short float and may be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45297555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">facing a short squeeze</a>.</li>
<li>On Holding AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONON#NYSE">ONON</a>) shares escalated 21.71% after the company reported its first-quarter results, and analysts<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45413809" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> revised the price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Gap, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GAP#NYSE">GAP</a>) stock gained 20.87% after the U.S. and China agreed to reduce most tariffs on each other&#8217;s goods temporarily. A reduction in tariffs could alleviate supply chain and macroeconomic uncertainty and help boost consumer sentiment.</li>
</ol>
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CoreWeave, Super Micro Computer And Coinbase Are Among Top 11 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (May 12-May 16): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) urged a federal judge to dismiss the significant antitrust case filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during an ongoing trial that could potentially lead to the breakup of the tech behemoth.
What Happened: Meta has requested the court to dismiss the FTC&#8217;s antitrust case. The FTC has contended that Meta unlawfully dominates the social media market, particularly those apps that rely on friends-and-family connections.
Meta has refuted these allegations in a court filing, arguing that the FTC&#8217;s attorneys have inaccurately&nbsp;defined the market. The company&nbsp;maintains that it faces robust competition from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Elon Musk&#8217;s X, reports <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/05/16/business/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-asks-judge-to-throw-out-ftcs-antitrust-case/">The </a>New York Post. 
&#8220;After&nbsp;five weeks of trial, it&nbsp;is clear that the FTC&nbsp;has failed to meet the&nbsp;legal standard required under antitrust&nbsp;law,&#8221; a Meta spokesperson stated on Friday. The company intends to present its case, underlining that Instagram competes with other popular apps like TikTok, YouTube, and X.
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The FTC&#8217;s case is predicated on the argument that&nbsp;Meta acquired Instagram and WhatsApp&nbsp;as part of a &#8220;buy or bury&#8221;&nbsp;strategy to prevent them from&nbsp;threatening its empire. The FTC&nbsp;is seeking to persuade&nbsp;US District Judge James Boasberg&nbsp;to compel&nbsp;Zuckerberg to spin off the&nbsp;two apps.
The nonjury trial is anticipated to conclude in June,&nbsp;followed by final briefs filed&nbsp;by both FTC and Meta.&nbsp;If Judge Boasberg&nbsp;sides with the FTC and&nbsp;determines Meta has a monopoly,&nbsp;a second trial will be&nbsp;held to determine appropriate remedies.
Why It Matters: This trial is of significant importance as it could potentially reshape the tech industry and set a precedent for future antitrust cases. The outcome of this case could influence how tech giants operate and acquire smaller companies. 
Furthermore, it could also impact the competitive landscape of the social media market. The FTC&#8217;s push for Meta to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp indicates a broader regulatory effort to curb the power of tech giants. 
This case is being closely watched by industry stakeholders, regulators, and consumers alike.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/08/28389257/mark-zuckerberg-is-a-bad-person-he-is-creepy-controlling-this-is-what-metas-new-ai-bot-says-about-hi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Is ‘Kind Of Creepy And Controlling' – This Is What Meta's New AI Chatbot Says About Its Boss</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Skorzewiak

Tech

Meta Pleads With Judge To Dismiss FTC's Antitrust Case in High-Stakes Trial

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) has surged beyond the&nbsp;$105,000 mark, setting off a $250 billion rally in the wider cryptocurrency market.
On Sunday, Bitcoin&#8217;s climb to $105,424.45 has pushed its market value over $2.05 trillion and significantly lifted altcoin prices. 
According to reports, this surge follows a mix of inflation data, increased confidence regarding interest rate cuts, and significant&nbsp;fund inflows from both retail&nbsp;and institutional investors.
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The rise in Bitcoin&#8217;s price,&nbsp;a 37.5% increase from its&nbsp;April low of less than $75,000, is propelled by a combination of strong&nbsp;technical breakouts and positive macro&nbsp;conditions. 
Open interest in Bitcoin futures has reached&nbsp;a record high of over&nbsp;$36 billion, indicating growing trader conviction.
The broader crypto market is&nbsp;benefiting from Bitcoin&#8217;s surge, with total capitalization exceeding $2.65 trillion—an increase of&nbsp;over $250 billion in just&nbsp;five trading days. 
Bitcoin&#8217;s dominance is now over 53.2%, its highest in more than&nbsp;three years, as capital continues&nbsp;to shift&nbsp;into large-cap digital assets amid&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;regulatory clarity in major markets.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45335892/decade-old-bitcoin-whale-emerges-transfers-207-51-million-btc-with-nearly-112000-profit">Decade-Old Bitcoin Whale Emerges, Transfers $207.51 Million BTC With Nearly 112,000% Profit</a>
Several&nbsp;macroeconomic and market catalysts are&nbsp;contributing to Bitcoin's parabolic move. These converging factors seem&nbsp;to have set the stage&nbsp;for Bitcoin's current breakout and&nbsp;may continue to support price&nbsp;appreciation in the short to&nbsp;medium term.
While Bitcoin is grabbing headlines, altcoins are also making a comeback.&nbsp;Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) jumped 12% in&nbsp;24 hours, breaking over important&nbsp;resistance at $6,000.
Analysts monitoring the $110,000–$115,000 area&nbsp;as the next main obstacle&nbsp;believe Bitcoin's breach over $105K&nbsp;could pave the way for&nbsp;more upside. 
The present increase&nbsp;could still have legs given&nbsp;ETF inflows ongoing and macro&nbsp;conditions staying good; particularly, if&nbsp;Ethereum ETFs become popular in&nbsp;the next weeks.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45485038/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-bitcoin-to-reach-250000-buy-more-do-not-sell">Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Bitcoin To Reach $250,000: &#8216;Buy More. Do Not Sell.&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

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$ETH

Bitcoin Skyrockets Past $105,000 Mark, Triggers $250 Billion Crypto Market Rally

JPMorgan Chase&#8216;s chief global strategist suggests that the US economy, while likely to dodge a recession, should brace for slower growth.
What Happened:&nbsp;David Kelly, the chief global strategist at&nbsp;JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), anticipates a deceleration in the US economy due to&nbsp;tariffs and other economic factors. 
Despite these challenges, Kelly remains optimistic about the economy&#8217;s resilience to stave off a full-scale recession.
&#8220;No, we&#8217;re not [seeing impacts now]. At the moment, I&#8217;d have to say the tariff pullback and also this big tax bill, which is going to put stimulus into 2026 and a little stimulus in 2025, that takes us from more than likely going to have a recession to less than likely we&#8217;re going to have a recession this year,&#8221; Kelly stated during an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ghzpDDdne8">with</a> CNBC.
However, Kelly also cautioned about a potential dip in consumer spending due to economic uncertainty and possible inflation resulting from tariff impacts. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44891073/donald-trumps-trade-war-jpmorgan-predicts-deals-higher-taxes-and-potential-recession-avoidance">Donald Trump&#8217;s Trade War: JPMorgan Predicts Deals, Higher Taxes and Potential Recession Avoidance</a>
He said, &#8220;Consumers&nbsp;are resilient, but there comes&nbsp;a point where you squeeze&nbsp;them enough in terms of&nbsp;tariffs, you&#8217;re&nbsp;collecting on the student loans&nbsp;again, and then just the&nbsp;general worry, and, of course,&nbsp;the cutbacks to the government&nbsp;sector, all these things I&nbsp;think are beginning to weigh&nbsp;on consumers. I think it is slowing the economy down, still not willing to say recession.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Kelly&#8217;s forecast comes at a time when the US economy is grappling with multiple challenges, including tariffs and economic uncertainty. 
His prediction of slower growth, while avoiding a recession, suggests a mixed economic outlook. The potential contraction in consumer spending and inflation from tariff impacts underscore the need for strategic economic planning and policy-making. 
While the resilience of the US economy is a positive sign, the anticipated slowdown underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive economic measures.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44780349/trumps-tariff-policies-fuel-economic-concerns-economists-expect-slower-growth-ahead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump's Tariff Policies Fuel Economic Concerns, Economists Expect Slower Growth Ahead</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Politics

JPMorgan Chase: US Economy Likely To Skirt Recession, Forecasts Sluggish Growth

Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit filed by three swing state voters. The plaintiffs allege that Musk failed to fulfill his promise of payment&nbsp;for signing a petition from&nbsp;his political action committee, America PAC.
What Happened: The lawsuit claims that Musk had committed to paying voters in seven states&nbsp;for signing a petition and&nbsp;referring others to do the&nbsp;same, in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. 
The plaintiffs assert that&nbsp;America PAC&nbsp;did not meet its contractual obligations by failing to fully compensate the petition-signers.
The lawsuit, lodged in a federal court in Pennsylvania, anticipates the inclusion of more than &#8220;100 class members&#8221;, with the total amount owed exceeding $5 million, <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/05/16/elon-musk-america-pac-lawsuit-petition-signature-payments-2024-presidential-election/">reports</a> Fortune.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">For every person you refer who is a swing state voter, you get $47! Easy money. <a href="https://t.co/5jCNuXIaui">https://t.co/5jCNuXIaui</a>
&mdash; Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1843133043961381178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;This&nbsp;case is about a broken&nbsp;promise: Elon Musk promised supporters&nbsp;that they would be paid&nbsp;for signing a petition and&nbsp;referring others to do the&nbsp;same,&#8221; stated Shannon Liss-Riordan, the plaintiffs&#8217; representative.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45484920/more-than-a-feud-elon-musk-bill-gates-spat-sheds-light-on-competing-views-of-efficiency">More Than a Feud: Elon Musk-Bill Gates Spat Sheds Light on Competing Views of Efficiency</a>
America PAC, which Musk established in May 2024, raised over $200 million for Donald Trump&#8217;s presidential campaign. A similar lawsuit was filed in April by a Pennsylvania man who alleged that he was owed $20,000 for gathering signatures.
Despite these allegations, America PAC spokesperson Andrew Romeo has denied any misconduct, asserting that the PAC is committed to compensating for every legitimate petition signature.
Why It Matters: This lawsuit against Musk and America PAC could potentially tarnish their reputations and raise questions about their ethical practices. It also highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by political action committees in their fundraising and campaign efforts. 
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for future PAC operations and campaign strategies.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk's PAC Promised $100 Per Signature—Now It's Facing a Lawsuit

In a recent conversation, Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang expressed his belief in the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster students&#8217; career prospects and job performance.
What Happened: Huang suggested that if he were a student today, he would utilize the capabilities of generative AI to enhance his career opportunities.
Huang stressed the significance of learning to engage with AI, likening it to the skill of posing insightful questions. He further underscored the necessity for proficiency in directing AI to provide effective assistance.
During the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ARBJQn6QkM">interview</a>, Huang said that AI can be perceived as an intelligent child that requires precise and succinct instructions to produce a beneficial response. He referred to Kelly Daniel, Lazarus AI prompt director, who recommended structuring instructions&nbsp;into a list or steps&nbsp;for improved comprehension.
"The first thing I would do is to learn AI. Learning how to interact with AI is not unlike being someone who's really good at asking questions. Prompting AI is very similar. You can't just randomly ask a bunch of questions. Asking AI to be an assistant to you requires some expertise and artistry of how to prompt it," he said. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44450770/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huangs-joke-sparks-concerns-over-rapid-depreciation-of-ai-chips">Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang&#8217;s Joke Sparks Concerns Over Rapid Depreciation Of AI Chips</a>
Despite only 11% of young Americans regularly using AI, Huang is confident that AI proficiencies will continue to be pertinent in the future. 
"If I were a student today, irrespective of whether it's for math or science or chemistry or biology — doesn't matter what field of science I'm going into or what profession — I'm going to ask myself, ‘How can I use AI to do my job better?'" he added.
He urged students to investigate how AI can be leveraged to augment their job performance, irrespective of their academic discipline or career.
Why It Matters: Huang&#8217;s comments underscore the growing recognition of AI as a critical tool in the modern workplace. 
With AI technologies becoming increasingly integrated into various industries, the ability to effectively interact with and utilize AI could be a significant advantage for students entering the workforce. 
Furthermore, Huang&#8217;s analogy of AI as a &#8220;smart child&#8221; highlights the importance of clear communication in eliciting useful responses from AI systems. This insight could help shape educational strategies for teaching AI interaction skills.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/jamesonwu1972

Success Stories

If I Were A Student Today, Here's How I'd Use AI To Do My Job Better, Says Nvidia CEO

Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey took a swing at the media in a recent segment of &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYIv3ZMnMeI">The Dave Ramsey Show</a>,&#8221; claiming news outlets are more focused on pushing fear than accurately reporting economic recovery.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;All the Losses Have Been Completely Recovered&#8217;</h2>
Ramsey emphasized that the market had returned to its earlier levels. &#8220;We&#8217;re about even from the first of the year now,&#8221; he said, arguing that this key point is being overlooked by the media. &#8220;All the losses have been completely recovered from Jan. 1.&#8221;
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Ramsey pointed to the stock market's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45355655/magnificent-seven-gain-700b-after-us-china-slash-tariffs-gold-crashes-whats-driving-markets-monday">rapid rebound</a> following news that the Trump administration had reached an agreement with China on tariffs. &#8220;As of this moment, the stock market is shooting through the roof,&#8221; Ramsey said. &#8220;Huge rebound in the last two days.&#8221;
Just weeks ago, he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45204651/dave-ramsey-explains-how-to-build-wealth-in-the-current-economy-this-is-not-the-first-time-the-stock-market-has-gone-down">reminded listeners</a>, media headlines warned that Trump&#8217;s tariff negotiations would ruin the economy. &#8220;Y&#8217;all remember that we were all going to die about a month ago? That the world was coming to an end?&#8221; he asked sarcastically.
&#8220;See if you find one positive news story about it going up,&#8221; Ramsey challenged. &#8220;You won&#8217;t find one.&#8221;
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;They Just Want You Addicted to Fear&#8217;</h2>
Ramsey accused the media of thriving on fear-based narratives. &#8220;They really don&#8217;t report the news. They&#8217;re just in the fear porn business,&#8221; he said. &#8220;If the tornado isn&#8217;t going to kill you, you&#8217;re going to lose all your retirement. Or there&#8217;s going to be a hurricane, or an earthquake, or all of the immigrants are going to kill you. Something&#8217;s going to kill you. That&#8217;s all they do over and over and over.&#8221;
He recalled how, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the stock market dropped sharply but fully recovered in just 54 days—a milestone he says went unreported. &#8220;Not one news outlet reported that America&#8217;s economy is so vibrant, so strong,&#8221; Ramsey said.
See Also: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quit Freaking Out and Stay in Your Mutual Funds&#8217;</h2>
Ramsey advised investors to stop reacting emotionally to short-term market fluctuations. &#8220;Quit buying and selling your stock. Just get in your mutual funds and stay in and ride. This is how people build wealth,&#8221; he said.
He warned against the emotional pull of headlines and clickbait. &#8220;You&#8217;re not going to find a report. If you do, it&#8217;s one in a bazillion.&#8221;
Co-host Ken Coleman highlighted the difference between the economy and the stock market. &#8220;That&#8217;s a speculative game,&#8221; the guest said. &#8220;What we&#8217;re seeing on Wall Street is not the same as the health of the American economy.&#8221;
Ramsey wrapped up with a memorable analogy. &#8220;In a given week, it&#8217;s a four-year-old having a temper tantrum in the cereal aisle because the Froot Loops aren&#8217;t right there. In a given decade, the stock market&#8217;s a wise old woman.&#8221;
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'The Stock Market Is Shooting Through The Roof,' Says Dave Ramsey. But Claims The Media's Silent—'They Want You Addicted To Fear'

In a recent public statement, Grimes, a renowned Canadian musician and former partner of Elon Musk, has expressed skepticism about the ability of Meta Platforms Inc&#8217;s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to effectively lead the metaverse.
What Happened: Grimes, whose legal name is Claire Boucher, took to X in 2022, to voice her doubts about Zuckerberg&#8217;s capability to manage the virtual world. She further mocked Zuckerberg&#8217;s metaverse avatar, referring to it as &#8220;bad art.&#8221;
Her remarks came in the wake of Zuckerberg&#8217;s conversation with Joe Rogan. Zuckerberg, a strong proponent of the metaverse, has characterized it as a &#8220;massive opportunity&#8221; with the potential to&nbsp;&#8220;unlock hundreds of billions of&nbsp;dollars.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If zuck "oversees the Metaverse" it is dead and people who care about art and culture are building something else. also this is bad art The quality of this image alone speaks to how wildly under qualified he is to build alternate reality, literally every indie game looks better <a href="https://t.co/n8Cuv4f0uJ">https://t.co/n8Cuv4f0uJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/0G46MlWIP2">pic.twitter.com/0G46MlWIP2</a>
&mdash; 
</blockquote></div></figure>

Elon Musk's Ex-Girlfriend Grimes Questions Mark Zuckerberg's Aptitude For Metaverse Leadership, Says Zuckerberg Is 'Wildly Under Qualified'

Robert Kiyosaki predicts a significant surge in Bitcoin&#8216;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) value, attributing it to a potential collapse <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44550875/robert-kiyosaki-thinks-saving-in-cash-is-a-bad-idea-heres-why">of the central bank system</a>.
What Happened: In a post on X on Saturday, Kiyosaki, the author of the best-selling book &#8220;Rich Dad Poor Dad,&#8221; expressed his belief that gold, silver, and Bitcoin will continue to appreciate in value. 
He attributed this to what he describes as the impending crash of the &#8220;Marxist Central Bank system.&#8221; Kiyosaki further predicted that Bitcoin&#8217;s value would climb to $250,000 within the year, urging his followers to buy more and hold onto their existing assets.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Q: Why will gold, silver, and Bitcoin continue to grow in value? A: The Marxist Central Bank system is crashing…. Many going bankrupt. Keep HODLing. I am and buying more Bitcoin. I predict Bitcoin climbs to $250 k this year. Buy more. Do not sell.
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1923760378237841626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
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While Kiyosaki&#8217;s views are not universally shared, they reflect a growing sentiment among some investors that traditional banking systems are becoming increasingly unstable. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45186165/robert-kiyosakis-stern-warning-tariffs-wont-protect-you-tariffs-only-increase-inflation-as-jobs-are-lost-and-wages-come-down">Robert Kiyosaki&#8217;s Stern Warning: &#8216;Tariffs Won&#8217;t Protect You, Tariffs Only Increase Inflation As Jobs Are Lost And Wages Come Down&#8217;</a>
This belief has led to a surge in interest in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, which are seen as a hedge against potential economic downturns.
Why It Matters: Kiyosaki&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, are gaining mainstream acceptance as a legitimate asset class. His views underscore the increasing concern among investors about the stability of traditional banking systems, and the potential for alternative assets like Bitcoin to provide a hedge against economic uncertainty.
While Kiyosaki&#8217;s prediction of a $250,000 Bitcoin is certainly bold, it reflects a broader trend of increasing investor interest in cryptocurrencies. 
As traditional banking systems face growing scrutiny, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are likely to continue attracting attention as potential hedges against economic instability.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/creativeneko

Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Bitcoin To Reach $250,000: 'Buy More. Do Not Sell.'

Turns out, a lot of people feel anxious on Sundays. According to a 2023 <a href="https://www.ciphr.com/infographics/causes-of-stress-at-work-2023-survey-results">survey</a> by HR software provider Ciphr, nearly half of senior managers in the UK report experiencing the &#8216;Sunday scaries&#8217; multiple times a year.&nbsp;
On the other hand, HubSpot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUBS#NYSE">HUBS</a>) CEO Yamini Rangan says she doesn't get the Sunday scaries. In fact, she skips right over them by turning Sundays into a full workday.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Different Kind of Sunday</h2>
"I'm not scared of Sundays,&#8221; Rangan said on the recent episode of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IvTK4syq-4">&#8220;Grit&#8221; podcast</a>. &#8220;I enjoy it because it's my time. I get to decide what I'm learning, what I'm doing, what I'm thinking, what I'm writing. It is completely my schedule.&#8221;
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Her version of a day off? Saturday. She completely disconnects from work after Friday night and doesn't pick it back up until Sunday morning. No emails, no messages, not even from the board. That one-day break is non-negotiable.
Then comes Sunday, which for her is anything but restful. She turns it into a dedicated workday: reading, thinking, planning, and writing. It&#8217;s her time to prepare for the week ahead with focus and intention, without interruptions. "It is completely my schedule," she said. By the time most people are still winding down their weekend, she's already scheduled a full set of Monday morning emails, often timed to hit inboxes at 5 a.m.
This rhythm, she says, keeps her balanced. It&#8217;s her way of eliminating the dread many feel about Mondays—by turning Sunday into a day of action instead of anxiety.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Work Stress Isn't Rare, But Her Solution Is</h2>
Rangan's approach may sound intense, but she's not alone in working this way. A recent survey by HR software firm Ciphr shows that stress and anxiety about the workweek are widespread among senior managers. Nearly half – 47% – of the 265 UK senior managers polled said they felt the Sunday scaries multiple times over the past year. About 13% felt them multiple times a month, and 5% said they felt them every week.
Only 8% of respondents said they had never experienced the Sunday scaries.
The top three causes of stress among senior leaders were high inflation and rising prices (34%), the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45384608/u-s-households-now-need-70-more-income-to-buy-a-home-double-whammy-of-skyrocketing-prices-and-rates">cost-of-living crisis</a> (33%) and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38397890/how-i-escaped-the-corporate-rat-race-and-saved-myself-from-burnout-using-these-10-easy-stress-buster">burnout</a> (27%).
Workload and to-do lists (24%), economic downturn (23%) and unfinished work tasks (21%) are also some of the reasons.&nbsp;
Rangan, who leads a company with more than 9,000 employees and billions in revenue, says the key to avoiding burnout is to find a rhythm that works and stick to it.
&#8220;Peak performance requires peak rest,&#8221; she said. So she made a rule: &#8220;I&#8217;ve said to people that I will not respond on Saturday.&#8221; Even when board members send emails, Rangan says she holds firm to her Saturday boundary and doesn't reply.&nbsp;
See Also: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000.</a>
When Rangan took over as CEO in 2021, it wasn't under normal circumstances. HubSpot co-founder and then-CEO Brian Halligan was injured in a snowmobile accident and suddenly out of commission. Rangan, who joined as chief customer officer in 2020, stepped in.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">HubSpot CEO Brian Halligan Injured In Snowmobile Accident <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24HUBS&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$HUBS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TWTR&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TWTR</a> <a href="https://t.co/mWOM87yno2">https://t.co/mWOM87yno2</a>
&mdash; JasonRaznick (@JasonRaznick) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonRaznick/status/1366492771062808593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;He said, &#8216;Remember I told you if I ever got hit by a bus, you&#8217;d have to run it? I need you to run it.'&#8221;
Rangan accepted the interim CEO role, thinking Halligan would eventually return. He didn't. Six months later, the board made her appointment permanent.
Since then, she's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45304277/hubspot-beats-estimates-raises-guidance-shares-sink-the-details">guided</a> the customer relationship management and marketing automation platform through pandemic growth, a sudden market slowdown, and the rise of AI. Each year, she says, requires reinvention.
"Every year I&#8217;ve been CEO, I&#8217;ve had to reinvent what I&#8217;m doing and my mental constructs," she said. &#8220;Every year, there&#8217;s something completely different we&#8217;re trying to drive.&#8221;
Rangan's no stranger to pressure. She grew up in a 350-square-foot home in a small Indian town. She came to the U.S. with $300 and worked her way up through engineering and sales. Even now, she says, she often feels &#8220;behind.&#8221;
&#8220;I&#8217;ve embraced that discomfort," she said. "If I&#8217;m not learning, I&#8217;m behind.&#8221;
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Image: Shutterstock

HUBS

'I'm Not Scared Of Sundays,' Says HubSpot CEO, Who Beats The Sunday Scaries By Simply Working Through The Weekend

Voice of America, the U.S.-funded international news broadcaster, is facing a wave of terminations as nearly 600 employees <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44881570/trump-administration-to-lay-off-nearly-90-of-cfpb-employees-in-major-downsizing-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have been let go by its parent agency</a>.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) issued notices Thursday to hundreds of contractors, citing termination &#8220;for convenience,&#8221; effective May 30, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/16/voa-layoffs-trump-administration-00353694" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> Politico.
The move affects a broad range of non-permanent personnel, including editors, journalists, and visual designers — with over 50 of them holding J-1 visas that now place them at risk of deportation, the report adds.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/05/45457691/its-incredible-the-trump-administration-is-acting-like-this-isnt-a-big-deal-says-fox-host-as-la-port-volume-drops-35-and-layoffs-loom" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;It&#8217;s Incredible The Trump Administration Is Acting Like This Isn&#8217;t A Big Deal,&#8217; Says Fox Host As LA Port Volume Drops 35% And Layoffs Loom</a>
According to internal communications, affected international staff may be forced to leave the country within 30 days, many fearing persecution if returned home.
The terminations follow a directive from USAGM under the leadership of Kari Lake, who was appointed by President Donald Trump and has since clashed with VOA staff over editorial direction and independence, POLITICO adds.
Michael Abramowitz, VOA&#8217;s Director, expressed deep concern in a note to employees, stating that no clear explanation had been given for the dismissals.
He emphasized VOA&#8217;s commitment to supporting affected staff, particularly those from hostile regimes.
The terminations come on the heels of a federal court decision reversing protections that had temporarily blocked the administration&#8217;s broader efforts to overhaul USAGM.
The Trump administration&#8217;s stance is that VOA exhibits anti-Trump bias — a sentiment echoed in recent statements and an executive order that fast-tracked restructuring efforts across several agencies.
Roughly two dozen senior-level employees from VOA&#8217;s English-language and select foreign-language departments have resumed in-person duties. Critics see this as a strategy to maintain minimum statutory presence as legal battles unfold. Plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit — including White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara — vow to continue fighting what they describe as political interference in independent journalism.
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/DCStockPhotography

General

Voice of America Purge? Trump-Appointed Chief Fires 600; Reporters With J-1 Visa Face Deportation

In a Reddit <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/1kkdto1/why_in_2025_does_banking_basically_cease_over_the/">post</a> that quickly gained thousands of upvotes, one user asked a question many Americans have probably wondered but never voiced: &#8220;Why, in 2025, does banking basically cease over the weekend?&#8221;
&#8220;As the title suggests, it feels like in this day and age weekends should have no bearing on fluid movement of funds,&#8221; wrote the original poster.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">U.S. Transfers Still Stall Over the Weekend</h2>
Despite advances in technology, the U.S. banking system still relies heavily on the Automated Clearing House network, better known as ACH, a system developed in the 1970s that processes payments in batches. ACH doesn&#8217;t operate on weekends or federal holidays.
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&#8220;The real reason your bank isn't open is because no banks are open,&#8221; wrote one Redditor. &#8220;And the reason no banks are open is because the Federal Reserve&#8230; is closed on weekends.&#8221;
This pause has ripple effects. Even when you initiate a transfer on a Saturday, it often stays in &#8220;pending&#8221; status until Monday. That frustrates users like the original poster who shared: &#8220;I&#8217;ll pay my credit card electronically on Saturday and it pends the entire weekend until Monday when it &#8216;posts&#8217; and then the money doesn&#8217;t actually disappear from my bank account until TUESDAY.&#8221;
Meanwhile, people outside the U.S. are shocked this is even a problem.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Countries Have Moved On</h2>
&#8220;In the Netherlands all <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/fintech/24/07/39933195/cash-in-a-flash-10-fintech-companies-dominating-real-time-payments">transactions are processed 24/7</a>, also between banks,&#8221; one commenter noted. Others chimed in from Australia, the U.K., Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand, all describing systems where bank transfers are instant and available every day of the week.
One Australian added, &#8220;Most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42653538/real-time-payments-and-embedded-finance-bridging-gaps-in-modern-banking">transfers are now instant</a>, literally take seconds, 24/7.&#8221;
A few U.S.-based commenters mentioned FedNow, a new payment service launched by the Federal Reserve in 2023 that allows real-time payments. However, its adoption has been slow. &#8220;FedNow is a new system that is 24/7/365, but many banks just aren&#8217;t using it yet,&#8221; said one person.
Some insiders say delays aren&#8217;t about tech limitations but business interests. &#8220;The bank holds the money for a few days, earning interest doing bank stuff, and then gives my landlord $3,000 on Tuesday,&#8221; one person wrote. &#8220;Multiply that by trillions of transactions and it's worth the banks lobbying to keep the Fed shut at the weekends.&#8221;
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Others pointed out that fraud prevention is often used as justification for these delays. But not everyone buys that argument. &#8220;You don't need human review of the vast majority of transactions and there's no need to hold up all transactions for the tiny fraction that do,&#8221; one user argued.
From a global perspective, the U.S. banking system comes off as outdated. &#8220;Cheques don&#8217;t really exist in the U.K. or Europe anymore,&#8221; said one Redditor. &#8220;The U.S. is a dinosaur in this area.&#8221;
Whether due to inertia, lobbying, or outdated infrastructure, U.S. banks remain behind many of their global peers when it comes to the basic movement of money.
As one Redditor put it: &#8220;So basically, we're closed on Saturday because that guy is closed on Saturday and he is closed on Saturday because that other guy is closed on Saturday and that other guy is closed on Saturday because it is Saturday.&#8221;
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'It Feels Backward'—Someone Asked What Many Are Thinking: 'Why Does Banking Basically Cease Over The Weekend' In 2025?

Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, dismissed concerns over the U.S.&nbsp;government debt and the inflationary&nbsp;impact of tariffs on companies&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Walmart Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>). 
What Happened: Following Moody&#8217;s Ratings downgrade of the U.S. credit rating on Friday, Bessent referred to Moody&#8217;s as a &#8220;lagging indicator.&#8221; He attributed the current fiscal state to the Biden administration&#8217;s spending&nbsp;over the past four years, which the Trump administration inherited.
Regarding the potential price increase by Walmart due to higher import taxes, Bessent disclosed a conversation with Walmart CEO&nbsp;Doug McMillon. The retailer plans to absorb some of the tariffs, as it has done in previous years. Bessent emphasized that he did not exert any pressure on Walmart, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-18/bessent-calls-moody-s-lagging-indicator-of-us-fiscal-health?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">reports </a>Bloomberg. 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45483312/peter-lynchs-market-advice-you-dont-need-a-lot-in-your-lifetime-you-only-need-a-few-good-socks-in-your-li" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Lynch&#8217;s Market Advice: &#8216;You Don&#8217;t Need A Lot In Your Lifetime, You Only Need A Few Good Stocks In Your Lifetime&#8217; (CORRECTED)</a>
Bessent also discussed the Federal Reserve&#8217;s &#8220;wait-and-see mode&#8221; concerning the potential inflationary effect of tariffs. He mentioned a mechanism for continuing talks with China following a recent tariff truce. However, he warned that other countries might face unilateral tariff rates if they fail to negotiate in good faith.
On the topic of Russia sanctions, Bessent refrained from making predictions but reiterated President Trump&#8217;s readiness to increase sanctions if Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin does not negotiate in&nbsp;good faith.
Addressing criticism over a potential&nbsp;acceptance of a 747 jet&nbsp;from Qatar, Bessent called it a distraction from a successful Mideast trip. He concluded by downplaying the significance of Moody&#8217;s downgrade, stating that Middle Eastern countries investing in the U.S. are not concerned about it.
Why It Matters: The U.S. Treasury Secretary&#8217;s dismissal of Moody&#8217;s downgrade and his comments on tariffs&#8217; impact on companies like Walmart are significant. 
They reflect the government&#8217;s stance on fiscal health and international trade negotiations. Bessent&#8217;s comments also shed light on the administration&#8217;s approach to managing potential inflationary effects of tariffs and its readiness to increase sanctions if necessary. 
His remarks on the Moody&#8217;s downgrade indicate a confidence in the U.S. economy that may influence investor sentiment.
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Image: Shutterstock/Maxim Elramsisy

Treasury Secretary Bessent Addresses Moody's Downgrade and Tariff Impact n Walmart

In the rapidly evolving world of digital currencies and blockchain innovation, few projects have managed to bridge mass appeal and Web3 utility quite like Notcoin. Launched as a simple Telegram-based clicker game, Notcoin quickly exploded into a viral movement, attracting more than 35 million users and turning casual players into blockchain participants — all with a tap.
At the heart of this phenomenon is Sergey, CTO and co-founder of Notcoin. With more than 15 years of experience in tech, Sergey plays a pivotal role in driving the platform's technical vision and strategic growth. From refining staking mechanics to crafting meaningful user journeys, he's focused on turning short-term hype into lasting adoption.
Benzinga's Bibhu Pattnaik sat down with Sergey to learn more about the mechanics behind Notcoin's success, its community-first approach, and what's next for the viral Web3 experiment.
As the co-founder of Notcoin, how did your 15 years in tech shape your approach to building Notcoin's infrastructure and user experience?
Over 15 years of building tech solutions, I've developed a broad skill set, and have learned how to swiftly navigate user interfaces, infrastructure, and business challenges. Our founding team at Open Builders, the team behind Notcoin, thrived on launching new projects rapidly, often in a hackathon-style sprint. This agility was key to surviving the demands caused by Notcoin's explosive growth, which saw us achieve 4M users in one week.
We have a very specific product design philosophy, which we hold very fast to when thinking about the form our projects take. We were tired of rigid enterprise solutions and wanted to create something simple yet meaningful, while keeping it fun.
Finally, even 15 years of experience across startups and enterprise companies can't prepare you for everything—especially a viral phenomenon like Notcoin. You have to learn quickly on the job and iterate new ideas rapidly. My experience gave me a strong foundation from which to grow, but I'm still learning more every day – it's the best part of working in crypto!
What inspired the creation of Notcoin, and how did you define its strategic vision from the outset?
We wanted to introduce people to web3 in a gentle, non-pushy way. A clicker game seemed perfect—fun, straightforward, and instantly rewarding. But we didn't stop there. We added onboarding tasks, friend systems to drive engagement, addictive game mechanics, and skins to personalize the experience. Above all, we infused it with the philosophy that underpins all Open Builders projects. The "Probably Nothing" concept was designed to defy the overwhelming expectations that often deter people from exploring crypto. We declared it "Nothing"—our white paper is blank, encouraging users to have fun with the clicker and the concept, free from pressure or speculation.
Since Notcoin launched a year and a half ago, this idea has evolved into something bigger. It continues to take inspiration with Buddhist principles and authentic crypto values, but we've grown it through new gigs, clothing, collaborations, and apps. We weave our core ideas into everything we create at Open Builders. The Notcoin project's clear expression of our values resonated more and more strongly with our community as it grew, and this resonance vindicated our philosophy, and demonstrated just how important it is to speak authentically to your core users.&nbsp;
You emphasize fun in product development — how do you balance that with deep technical challenges?
Fun is just the tip of the iceberg – beneath the surface, there is a serious tech machine. When we started, we thought our systems were solid, but they ultimately weren't enough to cater to the demand for Notcoin. Ever since, we've been continuously refining our codebase and infrastructure. Comparing our technical expertise now to a year ago, the difference is striking—more sophisticated technology, a larger engineering team, and a transformed tech stack.
While user enjoyment is our core mission, we never compromise when it comes to protecting their assets and building resilient systems.
Can you walk us through some of the core event mechanics or staking designs you&#8217;re experimenting with to encourage real adoption?
We're currently designing our staking model and want to ensure the highest APR for our most dedicated holders. But that's not the main focus. We also plan to add real-world utility for those who lock up their Notcoin long-term. Imagine freezing your $NOT for a year and unlocking real-world perks: regular BTC rewards, discounted flights, a free coffee, or even surprise gifts like Amazon gift cards. We're still exploring ideas, but we want to reward long-term belief in ways that blend crypto and everyday life.
How are you leveraging data to differentiate between short-term traders and long-term holders in Notcoin's user base?
We track on-chain behavior and segment users into three groups. Holders are users who hold 80% of their portfolio for 12 months or more, cruisers are users who hold $NOT between one and 11 months, and traders are those who hold for under a month.
We're currently designing a dedicated dashboard where loyal holders can earn benefits across the Notcoin ecosystem. These include invites to our gigs (like the exclusive Not rave that we held during TOKEN2049 in Dubai), merch, higher APR for staking, and access to close groups.
What role does community-driven growth play in your roadmap, and how do you integrate community feedback into technical decisions?
Community is everything to us. While it might not always be visible, we're constantly listening, whether it's via our feedback hub (@not_support_chat) or through contributors gathering insights from alpha groups, Telegram channels, and various Twitter threads.
While our decisions align with our broader strategic vision, the community's voice is a key driver. To give you an idea, at least a third of our core team consists of community members who were so skilled and active that we had to bring them on board.
How do you define success for Notcoin beyond the hype of exchange listings and short-term trading?
I don't think I'm the right person to judge the success of what we build – it's up to our community to define what success for Notcoin would be. Having said that, I'm thrilled to see how much people love it and the dedicated community of millions that we've managed to grow.
What have been the most surprising insights you&#8217;ve uncovered about user behavior while scaling Notcoin? What surprised me most is how users have embraced the idea and philosophy of Notcoin—just check out this website from the recent research contest:<a href="https://notcoin.my/"> </a>https://notcoin.my/. How cool is that? Here you can find more highlights from community contests, where our users' creativity is on full display.

Interview

At Notcoin We Want To Reward Long-Term Belief In Ways That Blend Crypto And Everyday Life, Says Sergey

Bill Gates and Elon Musk, two of the world&#8217;s richest individuals, have publicly disagreed over their differing views on philanthropy and efficiency.
What Happened: Gates intends to boost his foundation&#8217;s charitable contributions&nbsp;to public health and education&nbsp;in the coming two decades. Conversely, Musk has leveraged&nbsp;the White House DOGE office&nbsp;to drastically curtail US foreign aid expenditure and disband&nbsp;the US Agency for International&nbsp;Development, which he has termed a &#8220;criminal organization.&#8221;
Gates&#8217; strategy entails a long-term plan, whereas Musk&#8217;s method aligns with the tech industry&#8217;s fast-paced, disruptive ethos. Gates recently revealed plans to dissolve the Gates Foundation within the next 20 years,&nbsp;but contrary to reducing expenditure, he plans to augment it. 
As per the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-bill-gates-leadership-lesson-international-aid-doge-2025-5">by </a>Insider, the foundation is set&nbsp;to distribute $9 billion in&nbsp;2026 and aims to&nbsp;double the $100 billion it&nbsp;has donated since its inception in 2000, with a target of donating an additional&nbsp;$200 billion to public health&nbsp;and education causes by December&nbsp;31, 2045.
In contrast, DOGE, under Musk&#8217;s stewardship, has drastically reduced funding to USAID, leading to significant disruptions and a reduction of&nbsp;more than 80% of USAID&#8217;s&nbsp;contractual commitments. This has left organizations globally that depended on US funding scrambling to fulfill their missions.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43581817/bill-gates-says-this-simple-trait-is-the-secret-to-his-success">Bill Gates Says This Simple Trait Is the Secret to His Success</a>
The divergent approaches of Gates and Musk to &#8220;efficiency&#8221; are clear. Musk&#8217;s strategy with DOGE embodies the lean, do-more-with-less ethos of tech startups, while the Gates Foundation aims to deliver humanitarian aid using a data-driven approach and expertise from organizations working directly with those in need.
The disagreement between the two billionaires extends to their views on philanthropy. Gates has criticized Musk for his role in slashing the USAID budget, while Musk has previously dismissed most philanthropy as &#8220;bullshit.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This public disagreement between two influential figures highlights the ongoing debate about the role of philanthropy and efficiency in addressing global challenges. 
Their contrasting approaches reflect broader discussions within the tech industry and philanthropic sector about the best ways to allocate resources and achieve impact. 
This debate will likely continue to shape the future of philanthropy and international aid.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Alexandros Michailidis

More Than a Feud: Elon Musk-Bill Gates Spat Sheds Light on Competing Views of Efficiency

Last week, gold and silver prices dropped after the U.S. and China agreed to temporarily reduce most tariffs on each other&#8217;s goods. This could be driving a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45429569" rel="noreferrer noopener">rotation out of safe-haven assets</a>.
Most gold mining stocks were among the top ten large-cap worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) shares dipped 23.31%  in reaction to a media report on a possible investigation <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45443695" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for criminal Medicare fraud</a>.</li>
<li>Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>) shares were down 9.46%.</li>
<li>Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGI#NYSE">AGI</a>) shares declined 9.43%.</li>
<li>Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEM#NYSE">AEM</a>) stock fell 9.27%.</li>
<li>AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AU#NYSE">AU</a>) stock dived 9.06%.</li>
<li>Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KGC#NYSE">KGC</a>) stock fell 8.96%.</li>
<li>Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPM#NYSE">WPM</a>) shares decreased 8.48%</li>
<li>Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFI#NYSE">GFI</a>) shares were down 8.47%.</li>
<li>Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/B#NYSE">B</a>) stock decreased 8.38%.</li>
<li>Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGLD#NASDAQ">RGLD</a>) stock dived 7.20%.</li>
</ol>
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